From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, bushrangers roamed the Australian countryside, robbing banks and coaches, and terrorising the population. Bushrangers were essentially outlaws who operated in the Australian wilderness. They became folk heroes to many in the early years of the colony, seen as Robin Hood-style figures stealing from the rich to give to the poor. However, as they became more ruthless and violent, public opinion turned against them. Famous bushrangers in Australian history include Ned Kelly, Ben Hall and Frank Gardiner. The end of the bushrangers was due to a proper legal and policing system established by the government cracking down on them and many being caught and hanged for their crimes.
Australia’s Wild West: A Look at the Rise of Bushrangers in Colonial Times
Australia’s wild west was not just a figment of Hollywood’s imagination. It was real. From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, Australia was a wild and lawless land, where bushrangers roamed the countryside, robbing banks and coaches, and terrorizing the populace. They were the outlaws of colonial Australia, and they became folk heroes to many.
Who were the Bushrangers?
Bushrangers were essentially outlaws who operated in the Australian wilderness. They were the outlaws of colonial Australia, and they terrorized the countryside, robbing banks and coaches, and terrorizing the populace.
The term “bushranger” comes from the word “bush”, which is Australian slang for the wilderness. Bushrangers were known for their very distinctive dress, with most wearing hats, bandanas, and long coats.
The Rise of the Bushrangers
The rise of the bushrangers was due to a number of factors, including the lack of a proper legal and policing system in the early years of the colony. In the early days of the colony, the government was unable to provide adequate protection for its citizens, and many people took the law into their own hands.
This led to a rise in vigilante justice, and many bushrangers were initially seen as Robin Hood-style figures, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. However, as the bushrangers became more ruthless and violent, the public opinion soon turned against them.
Famous Bushrangers
Some of the most famous bushrangers in Australian history include:
Ned Kelly:
Ned Kelly is probably the most famous Australian bushranger. Born in 1855, he was hanged in 1880 at the age of 25. Kelly’s gang was responsible for several robberies and murders, and he became a symbol of rebellion against the British colonial authorities.
Ben Hall:
Ben Hall was a bushranger who operated in the mid-1800s. He was known for his ability to evade the authorities, and his gang robbed numerous banks and stagecoaches.
Frank Gardiner:
Frank Gardiner was a notorious bushranger who was responsible for the largest gold robbery in Australian history. In 1862, Gardiner and his gang stole over £14,000 in gold and cash from a coach traveling from Forbes to Bathurst.
The End of the Bushrangers
The end of the bushrangers came about through a combination of factors. The government eventually established a proper legal and policing system, and the authorities started to crack down on bushrangers.
In addition, many bushrangers were caught and hanged for their crimes. This included Ned Kelly, who was hanged in 1880. With the decline of the bushrangers, law and order were gradually established in Australia, and the country became a more peaceful and prosperous place.
FAQs
What is a bushranger?
A bushranger is an outlaw who operated in the Australian wilderness.
When did the bushrangers operate?
The bushrangers operated from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
Why did the bushrangers rise to power?
The rise of the bushrangers was due to a number of factors, including the lack of a proper legal and policing system in the early years of the colony.
Who were some famous Australian bushrangers?
Some famous Australian bushrangers include Ned Kelly, Ben Hall, and Frank Gardiner.
How did the bushrangers come to an end?
The end of the bushrangers came about through a combination of factors. The government eventually established a proper legal and policing system, and the authorities started to crack down on bushrangers. Many bushrangers were also caught and hanged for their crimes.
